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AIBU?

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My 18 year old hasn't been paid for her summer job.

61 replies

Espana12 · 05/09/2026 17:49

DD turned 18 in July and has been working for 1-2 days a week in August for a local business. It's a kids holiday workshop business with a shop front on the high street and it's been there for around 10 years.

DD worked all the days/hours asked (4-5 hour shifts per day - no lunch break, twice a week) was 5 minutes late on 2 occasions but otherwise very good at her job. She has worked with children before and enjoys it.

The business owner interviewed DD in May and offered her summer work there and then. The details (salary, hours) were worked out over text in July.

The owner told her she pays wages at month end, but it's now several days over and despite a couple of text messages, DD hasn't received anything (nor a reply to her texts). What would you do? I'm inclined to let DD handle this herself initially but feel DH and I may need to support. The outstanding wages are around £650.

OP posts:
Fast800goingforit · 05/09/2026 18:05

Fairly basic, but has your DD provided her bank details? Was she asked for proof of ID as if the employer didn't establish her right to work then they're breaking the law.

ProfessorSlocombe · 05/09/2026 18:05

Letter Before Action, and a small claims (fast track) to follow.

Why mess around and waste any more time ?

24Dogcuddler · 05/09/2026 18:05

This happened to DH as a teen. He had a summer job cleaning cars in a showroom. Hard work, long days then no wages!
His dad went round with him. They paid on the spot.
Sounds so unfair and hopefully they won’t want bad publicity. Well done to your DD finding and getting a job. Hope you sort it soon.

beaglescurleduplikebagels · 05/09/2026 18:04

Are you sure they don’t pay a month behind, so August hours paid at the end of September?

Espana12 · 05/09/2026 18:02

All she has in writing is her chain of text messages with the owner. They include DD going in for an interview, her follow up questions about hours and dates, hourly rate etc, and then more recently the days she was being asked to work.

Is anyone up on employer obligations in terms of employing young people? It seems it’s cash (bank transfer, if it ever happens) and no written agreement as such. I don’t think the owner has even asked for her personal details (DOB, address etc).

OP posts:
Octavia64 · 05/09/2026 18:00

My dc had this.

it was honestly a bit of a nightmare. I let him try to resolve it himself but eventually had to step in and he resigned over it - and we both understood why they could never keep staff!

paying your staff is pretty basic

Guiltypleasures001 · 05/09/2026 17:59

I wonder if ACCAS can get involved or advise you? Hope this is sorted for her op

Weeellokthen · 05/09/2026 17:57

As she is a new adult, I I would definately go with her to the business premises and ask where her wages are.

damemaggiescurledupperlip · 05/09/2026 17:53

What does she have in writing?

PartoftheBand · 05/09/2026 17:52

If it's not forthcoming early next week could you go into the shop with her to speak to the manager, for moral support?

YourHeartyFatball · 05/09/2026 17:50

If they’re not replying to your DD then I think you’d be right to step in.